Kostomarovo Cave Temples in Russia
The first cave temples were built on the Don before the adoption of Christianity in Russia. Here inside the caves the first Christians monks were hiding themselves. These 12th century first monasteries still attract pilgrims. This chapel stands on a hill called Golgotha ​​- in analogy to similar in the Holy Land. There’s also their own Mount Tabor and Gethsemane. Best preserved to the present day – a miracle Spassky church. This temple was built several hundred years, people obviously familiar with the traditions of the Byzantine Architecture. Most of the temple is deep in the chalk mountains. A huge “Cave of Repentance” of 220 meters length was a place where the most complete confession of sinners were sent. The interiors of the temples are so extensive, that can accommodate 2,000 people. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come here from all over Russia.

The cave temples are located on the territory of Divnogorie. The word Divnogorie came from the word “divo” which in English means miracle. Divnogorie is a reserve and plateau in Liskinsky district of Voronezh region, near the confluence of the rivers Don and Tikhaya Sosna (Quiet Pine). Divnogorie – the fabulous chalk mountains, cave churches and beautiful nature. From a geological point of view the reserve is chalky deposits on the surface of the earth. The top layer comprises 15-20% of chalk. 80 meters below – the layer of pure chalk.

Within the reserve are chalk cave XVII century churches (the Church of the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God, the Church of St. John the Baptist and Divnogorsky-3), Mayatsky settlement of IX-X centuries (the remains of a medieval fortress and necropolis) and Mayatsky potter complex of IX-X centuries, the Holy Assumption Divnogorsky Monastery (XVII century).

The reserve combines natural and man-made wonders – cave churches and a monastery inbuilt into the chalk rocks by hermit monks. And it’s a unique “storeroom” of rare plants and insects. You can see the flora from Russian hills and steppes, and migrants from the Mediterranean who came over during the warm period between the Ice Ages.

Kostomarovo Cave Temples in Russia

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